What is ple?

PLE (Personal Learning Environment)

A Personal Learning Environment (PLE) is a system that helps learners take control of and manage their own learning. It's a concept more than a specific piece of software or platform. It emphasizes learner autonomy and the use of a variety of tools and resources, both formal and informal.

Key aspects of a PLE include:

  • Tools: These are the software, platforms, and applications learners use to access information, create content, and communicate with others. Examples include social media, blogs, wikis, and online collaboration tools.
  • Resources: This includes any source of information that a learner finds useful. These can be formal educational materials, like textbooks and online courses, or informal resources like articles, videos, and personal contacts.
  • Connections: These are the people learners interact with to support their learning. This can include teachers, mentors, peers, and experts. The network is sometimes called a Personal Learning Network (PLN).
  • Control and Autonomy: A core principle of PLEs is that learners have control over their learning goals, processes, and evaluation.

PLEs are often contrasted with traditional Learning Management Systems (LMS), which are typically institution-driven and provide a more structured learning experience. PLEs are more learner-centered and flexible, allowing individuals to tailor their learning to their own needs and interests.